Evan and Joseph both leaped onto their horses and took off like the devil himself was after them. Sheriff Sully was the best sheriff either of them had ever worked under, and the people of Bareglen Creek needed him. They urged their steeds on, racing toward the dawn.
Dudley approached the Ranger unit and captured outlaws. He quietly explained to his men what had happened. “Set an interrogation tent up back in the woods to the north. I want to know where they might be headed with the sheriff, and I want to know now. Whatever’s needed to get the information out of them—do it.”
“Yes, sir.”
He walked back to the wagon where the sheriff had been taken from. There was a considerable amount of blood on the ground, and it looked like Sully had been dragged into the woods but there was no sign of struggle. There was more blood where a horse must have been waiting. That could be Sully’s blood or the outlaw’s. It wasn’t good that one or more of the bandits had gotten away. He and his men would need to prevent them from making it back to their main outlaw base camp at all costs.
He looked up as two horses entered the camp—it was the deputies who had taken the last of the injured to the farm.
“Ranger.” They pulled to a stop in front of him. “We ran into Deputy Dow and Deputy Cane, and they told us about Sheriff Sully. What can we do?”
“I’m taking two Rangers and heading east as far as we can track the man or men who took the sheriff. You can join us. I’ve got two Rangers interrogating the prisoners now. Let’s go see what they’ve been able to get out of them.”
It took less time than he’d anticipated.
“It wasn’t hard, Ranger. Those two sung like their momma was gonna whip ‘em,” one of the Rangers scoffed.
Dudley waited.
“He said they’re likely headed east toward their base camp. It’s about ten miles from here, along the Blanco River.”
“Ten miles, and he has at least an hour head start, but he also has what we have to assume is an injured man with him and may be injured himself. That should slow them down. It depends on how smart this man is. We have to assume he is since he masterminded kidnapping the sheriff and escaping right from under our noses. He’ll either ride for the base camp as fast as possible or he’ll vary the route to try to avoid a posse. He has to know these men will give up the location of the base camp,” Dudley said as he talked it through aloud.
“He’ll go straight to the base camp as fast as possible. Let’s mount up.”
Chapter 23
Mary’s Farm
“What do you mean they don’t know where the sheriff is?” Jim demanded of the two deputies.
“No one can find him, Jim. We found a ring of blood where he was stationed behind a wagon wheel, and it looked like he got dragged toward the woods. We figure there must have been a horse waiting. Ranger Dudley thinks he was kidnapped by an outlaw and that they’re headed for a possible main outlaw base camp.”
Claire sunk into one of the kitchen chairs, just cleaned after the last injured man had been take care of. She fought the waves of dizziness threatening to envelop her, then felt a hand on her arm. She looked over, it was Mary.
“Are you okay?” she mouthed.
Claire was grateful she didn’t say it out loud. The last thing she wanted was the attention of two overbearing doctors. She took a deep breath and nodded yes.
“I’m going to join you,” Claire insisted, looking at the deputies.
“No offense, miss—”
“None taken,” she interrupted. “Give me two minutes to change into pants, and I’ll be ready to go.”
“Claire, you can’t be serious. If anyone’s going to go, I am,” Jim insisted.
Her eyes narrowed. “You are still recovering.”
“You’re not looking so hot yourself.”
She pushed her chair back and placed her palms on the table, looking at one deputy, then the other. “I’m coming and that’s not negotiable. Do you understand me?”
The men looked at each other.
“Two minutes,” she called back, on her way to Mary’s room.
When she came down, she was furious.
“What do you mean they left without me?” She felt like a wild stallion that was being constrained.
Mary stood in front of her and took her hands in her own but Claire pulled them away. “Claire, listen to me,” she encouraged gently, taking her hands again. “You’re a logical person, if a little irrational at times.”
Claire glared, and Mary raised her eyebrows in response. “I know your heart is in the right place, and the deputies did too, but you wouldn’t be helpful to them. Do you know how to shoot a gun?”
“Yes, I already told you that.” She scowled.
“Have you ever shot at anything other than when you were skeet shooting?” Mary rephrased.
Claire rolled her eyes. “No, not technically, but I hit every single one of them.” She paused. It sounded naïve even to her ears.
“We all want Sheriff Sully found and safe—you have to trust his men and let them do their job.”
Claire began pacing the room, and then spun around and pounded the wall behind her. “Ugh! Sometimes I hate being a woman!” She turned and looked at Jim. “If I had been a man, they wouldn’t have looked at me like I had two heads when I said I wanted to join them. If I had been a man I’d be on a horse riding with them right now.”
Jim sighed. He stood and walked to Claire, taking her hand in his and pulled her down beside him at the table.
She didn’t resist.
“You’re probably right, sis.”
Claire’s hands started to shake, and she hugged them around her waist. “So, what do we do now?”
“We pray,” Mary offered. “We pray, and we eat. We all need something to eat, and then we check on the wounded. Then we rest.”
Mary sat beside her sister and took her hand, then she invited the doctors to join them. They all joined hands and Mary prayed for the men who had been injured, for the souls of those who had died, and for Sheriff Sully’s rescue and safe return.
When they finished, they busied themselves with preparing some hot food for everyone.
After dinner the men insisted that the women rest.
“You’re tired, too,” Claire argued. “We can all take turns.”
Lance Holloway looked at Mary and addressed her. “We’re doctors. We’re used to long days, long nights, and lack of sleep. I insist that the two of you get some rest.”
Mary nodded. “I know I’m exhausted and I’m worried about you, Claire. You’re pale, and I suspect you were more hurt this morning when Colossal tossed you, than you’re letting on. Come on, let’s go, Claire.”
Claire didn’t hide her surprise at how easily Mary acquiesced, but she didn’t argue either. She was tired of arguing uselessly with men anyway.
Once they were in bed, Mary reached out for Claire’s hand. “He’s going to be okay, you know, I just know it.”
Claire sniffled. “You can’t know that, Mary. None of us can. It’s hard to imagine that I could lose him before even starting to share a life with him—and I feel selfish even saying that because you don’t have Mike. I guess I feel like I don’t deserve to have a man either.”
“That’s silly, Claire. I’m happy for you, and I think Sheriff Sully feels strongly about you too. You can’t avoid falling in love because I lost Mike.” She paused for a long second. “I can’t imagine it now, and I miss Mike so desperately that I can’t fathom life with anyone else, but maybe someday God will have someone else for me again. If not, I’ll spend my days loving those children at the orphanage, and you know what, sis? That would be a beautiful life too.”
Mary snuggled down with her. She had the best heart of anyone Claire had ever known. She was blessed to have her for a sister. She listened to her sister’s breathing becoming more even and deeper, grateful she’d finally fallen asleep.
When the door opened a crack, Claire whispered, “Who’s there? Do you
have news?”
Lance Holloway said, “May I come in?”
“Yes, of course.”
He walked through the door and over to Claire’s side of the bed, kneeling down. “No—no news. I just thought I’d check on you, and Mary,” he said quietly.
“She’s asleep.”
“Why aren’t you asleep?”
She could feel his eyes on her, even in the dark.
“I can’t sleep. It’s useless to lie here—I’m worried,” she admitted.
“I know you are, Miss Claire, but you won’t be any good to Sully if you make yourself sick, will you?” He paused. “Can I ask you something?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Are you really okay from your clash with Colossal today?”
She groaned. “I’m sore, but nothing’s broken. I’m sure I’m fine.”
“Okay,” he said, rising to leave the room.
“Doc Holloway?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you for asking.”
‘You’re welcome, Miss Claire. Now get some sleep.”
“Doctor?”
Yes.” He sighed, turning back to her.
“You’ll make a wonderful husband someday. I think I might know just the woman,” she whispered with a yawn.
“Good night, Miss Claire,” he said as he closed the door softly behind him.
Chapter 24
Mary’s Farm
Claire stirred and exhaled. Ouch, why did her body hurt like that? She opened her eyes and realized sunlight was streaming through the window, which meant it must be nearly noon! It all came rushing back to her. The injuries, the men who died, and Sully. Sully! Had he been found?
She looked over, and Mary’s side of the bed was empty. Why hadn’t she woken her?
She leaped from the bed, grabbing the first clothes she could find, biting back more than a few groans. How was it possible her body hurt more today than yesterday? But as she dressed, the bruises spreading on her shoulder, hip, and leg told the story of why. Darn you, Colossal.
She dressed quickly, pulled her hair back with a ribbon and practically ran to the kitchen, stopping midway. Was she imagining it? Was that Sully sitting with his back to her in the chair? Lee Jamison looked like he was stitching his head—oh no, he was hurt.
She slowed her steps and walked into the kitchen.
“Well, hello, sleepyhead,” Jim greeted.
She cast him a scathing look and walked to the side of the table, breathing a sigh of relief. It was Sully! He was alive, although he looked like he was in excruciating pain.
“Sheriff.” She moved to his side, bending her head to look into his eyes.
“Claire.” He smiled a tight smile. “You’re all right?”
“Yes, of course I’m all right. But you?” she asked, glancing at Doctor Jamison for the answer.
“He’ll live. I’m finishing the stitches, and he’ll need to be under observation for a few days to ensure he’s doesn’t have a concussion, but yes, he’s going to be okay.”
She reached out to grasp the back of the chair, relief washing over her and nearly taking her down.
“Miss Claire?” Sully asked, reaching out to take her hand.
“Yes, yes, I’m okay. I’m just so—well, Sheriff, I’m glad you’re okay. What happened?”
Doc Jamison interrupted, “Miss Claire, let me finish my work here before you begin with twenty questions. The Sheriff will need someone to handle the first watch, and since you’re the most rested, are you okay with taking that?”
“Yes, yes, of course,” she breathed. “Whatever you need me to do.”
Claire turned to Mary standing at the sink, her back resting against it. She had a grin that spread from ear to ear.
Claire moved to join her. “What?” She feigned innocence. “What can I do to help?”
“For starters, you’re looking better.”
“Thanks,” she whispered. “I feel better. It’s amazing what a little sleep can do, but why didn’t you wake me?”
“Because you were exhausted, and everyone knew it. Because I knew Sully would come home and when he did, he would need you. Because—well, because I love you.”
Claire’s eyes filled with tears. This was almost too much to take in.
“You need to eat,” Mary insisted.
“I’m not—”
Mary interrupted her. “Stop, Claire. Seriously. Haven’t you learned anything?”
Claire tilted her head back and sighed. Her sister was right—it was time to grow up and start thinking about how her actions impacted the people around her. She grabbed an apple from the counter and took a big bite. It was juicy, sweet, and hit the spot.
She turned to watch Lee Jamison put the last few stitches in Sully’s head. Apart from a wince now and again, Sully never complained or indicated he was in pain. The bump on his head was huge—it worried her. What if he did have a concussion? Would he be all right?”
She grabbed two plates of food prepared by Mary and poured two glasses of water, walking them over to the men.
The sheriff declined, but Doc Jamison insisted. “You have to eat, Sheriff. If you have a concussion, you may feel nauseous or vomit—and even if you don’t, you may still have a slight concussion. It won’t change how we approach your treatment, but it will confirm a few things.”
Doc Jamison moved to the sink to wash his hands while Mary cleaned up the needle and supplies used by the doctor.
Sheriff Sully turned in his chair to face the table and his food. “How are the men?” He directed the question at Jim, taking his first bite.
“Several of your men are here at the farm, Sheriff. They are recovering nicely.” Jim left out that one of his deputies had died.
“The captives are all safe, and Mangus is working with Evan, Joseph, Hank, and some of his Rangers to find the location of the main outlaw base camp. Brody Cartwright was released, and none too happy about the way things were handled, but he’ll come to his senses.
The sheriff nodded.
“I know you wanted to be part of that, but it simply wasn’t to be,” said Jim.
“And how are you doing, Jim?”
“Close to one-hundred percent, Sheriff.”
“I’m glad, Jim. It was a close call.”
“That’s what I hear. If you hadn’t gotten me to Doc Holloway’s when you did, I guess I wouldn’t be here today.”
“Don’t believe it, Jim. It wasn’t your time, and I swear you’ve got more lives than a cat.”
Jim threw back his head and laughed. “You’re not the first one to tell me that, Sheriff.”
“If you’re done eating, Sheriff, let’s get you to bed but I don’t want you going to sleep for a while. You’ll need to keep him awake, Miss Claire, And we’ll place hot water bottles on his feet,” Lee Jamison interrupted. “Miss Claire, can you help me?”
“Absolutely.” She moved to Sully’s side, and the doctor on the other. “Let’s take him to Mary’s room. The other room is occupied, and I’ll be able to watch him more easily there,” Claire directed, always the organizer.
The sheriff obviously didn’t have the strength to argue as they held him up on each side and helped him move to the bedroom.
“You’ll have to wake him every hour once he can’t stay awake any longer, until you’re relieved, Claire.”
“Yes, Doc. I’m familiar with the protocol.”
He looked at her curiously.
“Don’t even ask,” she breathed.
When Sully could no longer stay awake, he slept. Claire watched his face for any sign of distress. But he must have been dreaming, his eyes flickered, and his hands twitched. She reached over and soothed his arm, and he stilled. She moved to the edge of the bed and sat down, memorizing every line of his face. His strong, square jaw, the bangs that fell on his forehead, his high cheekbones. She realized she knew so little about his history, but he had the presence of a man of wealth or influence.
“You’re so hand
some, Sheriff Sully. How is it that you captured my heart in barely a week when many have tried and failed after months and even years?” Her body responded to the heat of his, just inches from hers.
She wrapped her hand in his, and closed her eyes, soaking in the perfectness and simplicity of the moment. There was no need for censure or worry about what anyone thought. Not even Sully was aware.
* * *
Sully tried to ignore the searing pain in his head and struggled to get a bearing on where he was.
Claire? Was that Claire’s voice he heard? He opened his eyes a crack. She sat on the bed next to him, looking out the window and talking. She was holding his hand. Was she talking to him? He tried to ignore his pounding head and take in where he was, shaking the cobwebs from his mind. Of course, the hunt, the outlaws—trying to pull the memories back made his head hurt even more.
Sully studied Claire instead. Her long, thick locks, the color of honey and the sunrise, hung in graceful curls over her shoulders and down her back. Her eyes were crystal clear and her ivory cheeks delicate. Her nose was straight and charming and her lips, well, her lips were made for kissing.
She continued her secret conversation, whispering quietly, “You captured my attention right away, you know.”
He watched her lips turn up at the corners and a flush made its way up her cheeks.
“I think it was your eyes.”
He shut his quickly as her head turned back to him. “They are the most unusual shade of green, Sullivan Clarke. Sometimes veiled—but when they’re open, I see the man you are so clearly. Your integrity, your good heart, your desire to serve, and yes, even your intelligence…” she paused and looked back at the window.
His senses were heightened. She smelled of lilac and lemons. He felt her rise, her feet padding across the floor to the window. He opened his eyes again. She had her back to him, unaware that he was watching her.
She kneaded her neck, massaging her fingers against the muscles there and then moved to the small of her back. She uttered a groan. Was she hurt? Then jealousy flashed through him. He wanted to massage her neck, and her back, and… She turned to the side and stretched. Her dress left nothing to the imagination. She had obvious soft, rounded curves beneath the thin dress she wore. He was in pain, but not from his head.
CHARMED Boxed Set 1, Hero Hearts Historical: Inspirational Western Romance Page 10